Children who are different, who learn differently or who find social rules hard are often easier targets for bullying. They may also find it harder to explain what is happening. Parents and teachers can act, and schools in India have guidance to follow.
Signs to watch for
These can have other causes, but together they are worth a gentle conversation:
- Not wanting to go to school, or new stomach aches and headaches on school mornings.
- Lost or damaged belongings, or unexplained marks or injuries.
- Changes in sleep, appetite or mood, or becoming withdrawn or angry.
- Not wanting to talk about school, or about friends who used to visit.
- Messages or posts that upset them online.
A child with communication difficulties may show distress through behaviour more than words, so look at changes in behaviour, too.
What to do, step by step
- Listen and believe. Stay calm, thank your child for telling you, and say that it is not their fault.
- Write it down. Note dates, what happened, who was involved and any witnesses. Keep screenshots of messages and photos of injuries.
- Tell the school in writing. Start with the class teacher or coordinator, and say that you would like a meeting. See sample letters.
- Ask what will be done, by whom and by when: how your child will be kept safe, how adults will watch for it at break and on the bus, and how you will be updated.
- Escalate if needed. Go to the principal, then the school management, then the board or the education department.
- Look after your child. Make sure they have someone to talk to. If your child is very distressed, speak to a doctor or psychologist. If your child talks about harming themselves, call Tele-MANAS on 14416 or 1800-891-4416, or 112 in an emergency.
If there has been physical harm or sexual abuse, get medical care, and involve the police. Childline (1098) is India’s free 24-hour helpline for children in distress.
What Indian guidance expects of schools
- CBSE’s circular of 9 March 2015, Guidelines for prevention of bullying and ragging in schools (Circular No. Acad.-17/2015), says that bullying is a major cause for concern. It says that an Anti-Bullying Committee “may be constituted” in a school, to develop and review a school bullying prevention plan and to run bullying prevention programmes. It also refers to anti-bullying campaigns and training programmes, asks that parents be motivated to support the school, and says that schools may keep a complaint or suggestion box.
- The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has also published guidelines for schools on preventing bullying and cyberbullying.
- For children with disabilities, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 says that no person with a disability shall be discriminated against on the ground of disability (Section 3), and requires governments to protect persons with disabilities from abuse, violence and exploitation (Section 7). Under Section 7, anyone who has reason to believe that abuse, violence or exploitation of a person with a disability is happening may inform the Executive Magistrate. Section 92 makes it an offence to intentionally insult or intimidate a person with a disability, with intent to humiliate them, in any place within public view. The punishment is imprisonment of not less than six months and up to five years, and a fine. Because this is a legal route, get advice before taking it; many problems are solved with the school first. If a school fails to act on discrimination, you can also approach the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities; see the rights guide.
Which rules apply depends on your school’s board and state, so ask the school for its anti-bullying policy.
For teachers and schools
- Watch unstructured times such as break, corridors, buses and changing rooms.
- Teach the whole class about differences and kindness, and what to do if they see bullying.
- Respond promptly and seriously, and never tell a child to “just adjust”.
- Pair a child with supportive peers, and help build friendships. See friendships and social skills.
- Keep parents informed, and record what has been done.
Sources
- Central Board of Secondary Education, Guidelines for prevention of bullying and ragging in schools (2015).
- National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Preventing bullying and cyberbullying: guidelines for schools.
- Government of India, The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
This guide is general information, not legal, medical or professional advice. If something here does not match your situation, please speak to a qualified professional.